This much I know: Pat Kinevane

Although I’m based in Dublin, and have been for 23 years, I’m originally from Cobh and go back there plenty. But not as often as I’d like.

I’m a writer as well as an actor. It is liberating to be able to do both and I’m thankful for it. But I have no discipline when it comes to writing. I wish I had a structure.

Out of everyone I’ve played, Roy ‘Keano’ was most definitely a highlight. I have massive respect for his talent and principles.

The most memorable projects I’ve worked on were with Pat McCabe. That’s because they were mental. I love the man’s writing and his energy.

My earliest memory? It’s of breaking a bottle of milk and getting it all over the place.

I feel strangely at home in Italy. I have a real affinity for it — anywhere at all in that country. I have no idea why.

Outside of work, music is a big passion for me. When I want to completely unwind, I just sit back and listen. I have a great collection of R ‘n’ B, soul, pop, opera, 80’s and all sorts of junk music.

When I left school I began to train as a nurse. I don’t come from a family of actors, although they are all very creative people, and I certainly didn’t always know I’d act. Although I dreamt of it.

My most difficult challenge in life so far has been my own bright and dark mind. I think it is very possible for a person to think too much. Gimme a blank brain and a trashy magazine any day.

The first paid job I ever got was as a potato picker. It was when I was in school. And as well as doing the potatoes, I’d thin onions and turnips for the local farmers.

I try to put a boundary between my work and the rest of my life. I treat my job as just that, a job.

In times of trouble, I like to fall back on an old saying. ‘This too will pass’.

My worst habit? Biting my nails.

If I could, I’d change Irish people’s lack of courage to protest and campaign for what we need as citizens. We need to revolt when we are being oppressed by corrupt politicians and policy. We need to regain our sense of power as a collective society and take back control.

My advice to anyone who wants to act is, don’t struggle. Just celebrate your own uniqueness and be constantly grateful for all the blessings in your life.

If anything, this is the one thing life has taught me so far. It’s that I am on the way to dying, so I may as well live like crazy.

My beautiful son brings me most joy in life. My greatest ambition is to be the best father, friend and man I can be.

* Pat Kinevane is a writer and actor.He will be performing his play ‘Silent’ as part of the West Cork Fit-up Festival Tour, reviving the tradition of professional theatre companies touring shows to small rural towns and villages. Silent will be staged on August 24 — Kilcrohane; August 25 — Lisavaird; August 26 — Sherkin Island; August 27 — Bere Island and on August 28 — Ballydehob. The play was last weekend named one of the Scotman Fringe First award winners at Edinburgh.